ArtSmart has announced three new members to its Board of Directors.

The organization noted that the three new members are Dr. Louise Toppin (University of Michigan), Dr. Marvin Curtis (South Bend Symphony Orchestra), and Ms. Kelly Clarke (former ArtSmart Mentor).

They will join a board that includes George Shirley (Board Chair), Michael Fabiano (Co-Founder, Executive Director), John Viscardi (Co-Founder, Treasurer), Liz Letak (Secretary), Anthony Fabiano, Latonia Moore, Nadine Sierra, Susan Stauter, and Rosemary Vega.

In a joint statement, Co-Founders Michael Fabiano and John Viscardi said, “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Toppin, Dr. Curtis and Ms. Clarke to the board. All three individuals come to us with deep experience in their field and an even deeper passion for the arts. ArtSmart is fortunate to have them.”

Toppin is a critically acclaimed operatic, orchestral, oratorio, and recital performer and is a champion of African American music. She has recorded more than eighteen CDs of primarily American Music songs and has edited and published eight anthologies and collections of songs by African American composers. MeanwhileCurtisis a composer, educator and community leader. He made history as the first and only African-American composer commissioned to write a choral work for a Presidential Inauguration, “City On The Hill,” which was performed during President William Clinton’s Inaugural Ceremony, accompanied by the United States Marine Band.

Finally, Clarke is a mezzo-soprano and an advocate for music education. As an artist, Clarke was most recently seen on the stages of San Francisco Opera and other major venues across the United States.